2. T H E V I B R A N T W AT E R S O F
N E O M A R E H O M E T O S O M E
O F T H E M O S T P I C T U R E S Q U E
A N D U N S P O I LT I S L A N D S
I N T H E R E D S E A .
From the serenity and exclusivity of
Sindalah to the jagged majesty of Yuba,
those who sail and navigate these marine
enclaves will discover a natural habitat
rich in some of the world’s rarest birds
and sea life.
Whilst NEOM has 39 islands, 11 of them
are always above sea level and are the
best known. They dot the magnificent
waterway of the western and southern
shores of NEOM.
These 11 islands are Tiran, Sanafir,
Sindalah, Shusha, Al Farshah, Baraqan,
Shujayrat, Umm Qusur, Yuba, Wallah
and Sila.
Here you will discover their beauty,
majesty and exclusivity, offering some
of the best sailing, swimming and diving
experiences in the world.
3. D I S C O V E R
N E O M ’ S
C O A S T
T I R A N S A N A F I R S H U S H A
S I N D A L A H
A L F A R S H A H
B A R A Q A N
U M M Q U S U R
Y U B A
W A L L A H
S I L A
S H U J AY R AT
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5. S I N D A L A H
I S L A N D
T H E P E R F E C T I S L A N D G E TA W AY
Sindalah, with its turquoise crystal waters is
one of the most exclusive islands in NEOM.
A private haven for a select few. Equipped
with five Royal Cabanas, an opulent spa,
beach club and the choice of two fine
restaurants, it is the epitome of a luxurious
private island getaway. Enjoy the most serene
or extreme activities. Relax on the white
sands or by the pool, take the plunge into
the turquoise waters or partake in numerous
water sports and activities on offer.
Sindalah is home to hawksbill and green
turtles. If your timing is right, you may be
lucky enough to see the turtles nesting,
one of nature’s rarest and most natural
experiences. Sindalah is also home to
magnificent osprey which are known for their
imposing wingspan. They are easily spotted
around the island, but from our very own
beach club you can view one of their nesting
areas on the rocks sitting beyond the lagoon.
Sindalah is a great starting
point to navigate and explore
many of the nearby islands. It
makes for a perfect jump off
spot to step into the natural
marvels and breath-taking
heritage sites mainland
NEOM has to offer.
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6. T H E T W O G I A N T S
Tiran and Sanafir are the two largest islands
in NEOM, being 15 km and 8 km in length
respectively. Tiran is 62 square km and the
most westerly point of NEOM, sitting only
8 km from the Egyptian coast.
Commanding the straights that lead north to
the Gulf of Aqaba, the islands are surrounded
by extensive coral reefs rich in sea life. The
many lagoons make the islands a haven for
birdlife, including the majestic sooty falcons
and osprey.
T I R A N A N D
S A N A F I R
I S L A N D S
Both islands are fringed by
white sands which provide
green and hawksbill turtles
with perfect nesting grounds.
They also have extensive
seagrass beds which sustain
the variety of sealife and
attract the shiest of
creatures, the dugong.
Tiran has significant
mangrove vegetation which
sustains a rich and habitable
environment for fish, insects,
birds and wildlife.
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8. S N O R K E L L I N G & D I V I N G H AV E N
Drop anchor at Yuba Island where you will
enjoy the best swimming and snorkeling of
your life amongst a myriad of marine life as
you share their rich coral home.
Yuba is the most serene and some say, the
most beautiful. Surrounded by extensive coral
reefs, you will find an inland lagoon accessible
at high tide. Here you will swim in the most
turquoise and crystal-clear water, don your
mask and fins to snorkel with the most
magical coral and fish.
Yuba has two excellent dive sites, the East Wall
and the Southern Point. Both are suitable for
all levels of swimmers and divers with depths
that range from 1 metre to more than 40
metres for the most experienced. Here you will
find both hard and soft corals and encounter
a variety of fish including parrot fish, groupers
and snapper along with a variety of coral fish.
Turtles, moray eels and barracudas can also be
found, as well as reef and hammerhead sharks.
Y U B A
I S L A N D
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9. S H U S H A I S L A N D
Shusha Island is found to the east of
Sanafir Island.
An imposing island that is surrounded by a
highwall, Shusha has three excellent snorkeling
and diving sites on its southern tip. Shusha
caters for the more advanced and experienced
snorkelers and divers with depths of 40 metres.
Beneath its seawalls, you can find holes and
small caves to explore underwater with
abundant aquatic life, including snapper,
groupers and napoleon fish. But that’s not all,
ancient marine archaeology can be found on
the sea floor.
Shusha is home to a variety of larger
marine animals too, including turtles, rays
and hammerhead sharks. It also acts as a
breeding ground for birds, among them,
the sooty falcon
S H U S H A
I S L A N D
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11. W I L D L I F E
O F T H E
I S L A N D S
O F N E O M
N E O M I S H O M E T O S O M E O F T H E
W O R L D ’ S R A R E S T A N D M O S T
T H R E AT E N E D W I L D A N D S E A L I F E .
We are undertaking extensive research and
studies of these exquisite waterways and
islands. Our goal is to understand the different
species that live here, with the view of helping
them regenerate and flourish for generations
to come.
All the islands are exceptional breeding
grounds for a variety of birds with Sila being a
haven for the brown booby and Shusha, Yuba
and Wallah having extensive nesting areas
and breeding pairs of sooty falcons.
Tiran and Sanafir islands play a significant
role for birdlife, as they sit beneath the
annual migration path between Africa
and Northern Europe.
The islands of Shujarat, Al Farshah,
Baraqan, Yuba, Wallah and Sila,
all have significant green and
hawksbill turtle nesting grounds.
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12. The seagrass which can be found on many of
the islands and in significant areas surrounding
Al Farshah support the most reclusive dugong
or “sea cow”. The dugong is one of the world’s
most threatened species and here in NEOM,
great care is being taken to study these most
magnificent beasts and create protected
habitats for their survival.
The islands and waterways are also home to
extensive varieties of reef fish and those of a
more imposing nature, including whale sharks,
hammerhead and reef sharks, moray eels,
barracudas, bottlenose dolphins and the
previously mentioned hawksbill and
green turtles.
NEOM is fortunate to have gardens of
“super corals”, hardy corals that can survive
and thrive in warmer waters, which not only
provide the sea life with a rich haven of
nutrients to feast on but also a brilliant and
colourful habitat to live in. All of these natural
wonders contribute to a vibrant underwater
spectacle for all those who seek to explore
these waters.
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